Light up net

ABSTRACT

A light up net is provided comprising a net frame constructed by a plurality of frame members, the frame members are composed of a front portion and a rear portion and one or more lights are affixed to the rear portion of the one or more frame members, wherein the front portion acts as a protective layer. A method of employing the light up net to increase visibility for a user comprising powering the one or more lights.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a light up net, specifically a net which illuminates to facilitate playing sports in environments with poor light conditions.

BACKGROUND

A popular pass time for youths and adults is recreational outdoor sports. These activities provide community, exercise and joy for those involved. During winter months, especially in northern climates, the amount of daylight is greatly reduced limiting available playing time for outdoor recreational sports. Without proper lighting, performing during the sporting event becomes difficult and safety concerns arise due to the lack of visibility.

There have been several improvements for equipping sporting nets with visual and audible aids to alert spectators of goal scoring events as well as visual alerting systems for the rear of the sporting nets to alert motorists of sporting activities.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,816,947 A—discloses an attachable signaling apparatus for a net which visually and audibly alerts a user when a playing piece passes through the goal opening and impacts the net. Shortcomings include an inability to provide sufficient illumination for environments which contain poor lighting conditions.

U. S. Pub. No. 2007/0004539 A1—discloses a visualization system for sports scored by a goal post, which assists the audience to better perceive the occurrence of a scoring event. Shortcomings include the cost and complexity of installation and an inability to continuously provide sufficient illumination for environments which contain poor lighting conditions.

U. S. Pub. No. 2008/0015059 A1—discloses a hockey net consisting of a plurality of LEDs along the rear of the frame with a warning sign for alerting motorists of hockey being played on the street. Shortcomings include the necessity of a warning sign within the system and the orientation of the LEDs as they are oriented towards the back side of the frame which doesn't provide sufficient visibility for users on the front side of the net.

All references cited above are incorporated herein.

There is a need for a light up net that can be employed for outdoor sports in environments with poor lighting conditions, which can be effortlessly powered on and off and provides sufficient visibility for users.

BRIEF SUMMARY

It is the object of the present invention to provide a light up net.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided a light up net comprising a net frame constructed by a plurality of frame members, the frame members are composed of a front portion and a rear portion and one or more lights are affixed to the rear portion of the one or more frame members, wherein the front portion acts as a protective layer.

Another aspect of the present invention is a method of employing the light up net to increase visibility for a user comprising powering the one or more lights.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the lights are light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the lights are light bulbs.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a mains electricity is connected to the one or more lights.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a battery is connected to the one or more lights.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the battery is rechargeable.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a solar cell is connected to the battery.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the light up net is a hockey net, a soccer net or a basketball net.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the front portion is transparent or translucent.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the net frame is composed of metal, steel or plastic.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the one or more lights are powered via a switch.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the one or more lights are powered via a remote control.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the remote control enables alteration of one or more colors of the one or more lights.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the remote control enables alteration of one or more patterns of illumination of the one or more lights.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a light up ball is employed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the figure number in which that element is first introduced.

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view 100 in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view 200 in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates a powered off application 300 in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates a powered on application 400 in accordance with one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The details of one or more embodiments of the subject matter of this specification are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.

Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements.

FIG. 1 depicts a side view 100 of a light up net as in one embodiment. The light up net comprises a net frame constructed by a plurality of frame members. The frame members are composed of a front portion 106 and a rear portion 104 and one or more lights are affixed to the rear portion 104 of the one or more frame members, wherein the front portion 106 acts as a protective layer. The protective layer shields the lights from damage due to repetitive contact with a sports ball. In some embodiments, the front portion 106 protective layer completely surrounds the rear portion 104, protecting the lights from potential damage in all directions.

In this embodiment, a transparent front vertical frame member is shown with a plurality of lights in the form of light-emitting diodes (LEDs 102) affixed to the rear portion 104 of the vertical frame member. In another embodiment, the front portion 106 is translucent. In another embodiment, the lights are light bulbs. The light bulbs may be incandescent, halogen or compact fluorescent light.

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view 200 of a light up net as in one embodiment. In this embodiment, the light up net is a hockey net which has a frame composed of a front horizontal member 202, two first front vertical members 204, a base rear member 210, a top rear member 208 and an upright member 212. Additionally, a plurality of LEDs 102 are shown affixed to the front horizontal member 202, the first front vertical member 204 and the second front vertical member 206, which may be employed to illuminate an environment with poor light conditions.

In another embodiment, a mains electricity is connected to said one or more lights. In some embodiments, an outlet is provided on the light up net to allow connection with the mains electricity. In some embodiments, a power cord in provided on the light up net to allow connection with the mains electricity. In another embodiment, a battery is connected to the one or more lights. In another embodiment, the battery is rechargeable. In another embodiment, a solar cell is connected to the battery.

FIG. 3 depicts a powered off application 300 of a light up net as in one embodiment. In this embodiment, a light up hockey net 302, a light up hockey ball 304 and a remote control 306 are shown prior to illumination. In another embodiment, the light up net is a soccer net. In another embodiment, the light up net is a basketball net. In another embodiment, the net frame is composed of metal. In another embodiment, the net frame is composed of plastic. In another embodiment, the net frame is composed of steel.

FIG. 4 depicts a powered on application 400 of a light up net as in one embodiment. A method of employing the light up net to increase visibility for a user comprises powering the one or more lights not presently shown. In this embodiment, the one or more LEDs 102 are powered via a remote control 306. Once powered, the light up hockey net 302 and the light up hockey ball 304 are illuminated, greatly enhancing visibility for a user improving performance during the sporting event as well as reducing risk of injury.

In another embodiment, the one or more lights are powered via a switch. In another embodiment, the remote control 306 enables alteration of one or more colors of the one or more lights. In another embodiment, the remote control 306 enables alteration of one or more patterns of illumination of the one or more lights. In another embodiment, a light up ball is employed.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments described were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention. 

1. A light up net comprising: a net frame constructed by a plurality of frame members; each of said plurality of frame members having a front portion and a rear portion; and one or more lights affixed to said rear portion of each of said plurality frame members, wherein said front portion acts as a protective layer and said one or more lights are continuously powered to increases visibility for a user.
 2. The light up net of claim 1, wherein said lights are light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
 3. The light up net of claim 1, wherein said lights are light bulbs.
 4. The light up net of claim 1, wherein said one or more lights is connected to an electrical outlet.
 5. The light up net of claim 1, wherein a battery is connected to said one or more lights.
 6. The light up net of claim 5, wherein said battery is rechargeable.
 7. The light up net of claim 5, wherein a solar cell is connected to said battery.
 8. The light up net of claim 1, wherein said light up net is a hockey net.
 9. The light up net of claim 1, wherein said light up net is a soccer net or a basketball net.
 10. The light up net of claim 1, wherein said front portion is transparent.
 11. The light up net of claim 1, wherein said front portion is translucent.
 12. The light up net of claim 1, wherein said front portion of said net frame is composed of metal.
 13. The light up net of claim 1, wherein said front portion of said net frame is composed of steel.
 14. The light up net of claim 1, wherein said net frame is composed of plastic.
 15. A method of employing the light up net from claim 1, to increase visibility for a user, comprising: continuously powering said one or more lights.
 16. The method according to claim 15, wherein said one or more lights are powered on and off via a switch.
 17. The method according to claim 15, wherein said one or more lights are powered via a remote control.
 18. The method according to claim 17, wherein said remote control enables alteration of one or more colors of said one or more lights.
 19. The method according to claim 17, wherein said remote control enables alteration of one or more patterns of illumination of said one or more lights.
 20. The method according to claim 15, wherein a light up ball is employed. 